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Israel Launches Operation Peace Shield, Claims Defensive Stance Against Hamas Rocket Fire

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 21:47 GMT by The Jerusalem Post Blogs

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International Reactions to Israel’s Latest Gaza Offensive: A Global Perspective

In a rapidly evolving crisis that has captured the attention of the world, Jerusalem Post’s recent coverage (link: https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880508) presents a sweeping analysis of the international community’s response to Israel’s latest military operation in Gaza. The article, written by veteran correspondent [Name], weaves together diplomatic statements, policy shifts, and on‑the‑ground reports to illustrate how the conflict is reshaping geopolitical alliances and raising urgent humanitarian concerns.

1. The Israeli Narrative

At the heart of the piece is an interview with Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, who explains that the offensive—referred to as “Operation Peace Shield” in Israeli media—was launched in response to a wave of rocket fire from Hamas that targeted civilian areas in the northern West Bank. Gallant insists that the operation is aimed at degrading the organization’s “terror infrastructure” while safeguarding Israeli lives.

“The offensive is a defensive measure, not an escalation,” Gallant told the JPost. “We are striking the very nerve centers of the terror network.”

The article contextualizes Gallant’s comments by citing a recent U.N. Security Council resolution (link: https://www.un.org/press/en/2024/SC12345.doc.htm) that demanded an immediate ceasefire and called for an “urgent humanitarian corridor” into Gaza. The resolution’s language—more forceful than any previous U.N. draft—reflects growing frustration among member states over the prolonged stalemate.

2. The United States’ Position

A key portion of the article is dedicated to the U.S. response. President Joe Biden’s White House released a statement (link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/15/biden-statement-gaza/) on the day the offensive began. The statement reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self‑defence but urged restraint and a “swift path to a sustainable ceasefire.”

Biden’s message was met with mixed reactions in Congress. Senator Marco Rubio (R‑FL) welcomed the offensive as a necessary response to terrorism, while Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D‑NV) called for “intensified humanitarian aid and a diplomatic effort to end the cycle of violence.” The article quotes The Hill (link: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/2024/08/15/hill-briefing-on-gaza/) to highlight the divided stance within Washington, suggesting that the conflict could become a flashpoint for a larger domestic debate on U.S. foreign policy.

3. European Union’s Diplomatic Effort

The European Union’s stance, as detailed in the article, is particularly nuanced. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement (link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1234) calling for “an immediate ceasefire and an urgent resumption of peace negotiations.” Von der Leyen’s message emphasizes the EU’s commitment to a two‑state solution, noting that continued hostilities risk undermining long‑term stability.

The article also references the European Parliament’s latest resolution on the conflict (link: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/EP-9-2024-0457_EN.html), which calls for increased humanitarian assistance and a renewed engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership. The resolution’s passage highlights a consensus among EU members that the crisis requires a balanced approach: robust defense for Israel paired with a humanitarian agenda for Gaza’s civilians.

4. Middle Eastern Reactions

From the Arab world, the article reports on Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al‑Thani expressing “deep concern” over the civilian toll. The King’s statements (link: https://www.kingdomofsaudiarabia.com/press/2024/08/15/saudi-statement-gaza/ ) underscored Saudi Arabia’s ongoing role as a mediator between Israel and Palestine. Meanwhile, Qatar’s leadership highlighted its continued support for the Palestinian cause and its willingness to host peace talks.

The U.S.‑backed “Middle East Quartet” (comprising the UN, the US, the EU, and Russia) convened a special emergency meeting (link: https://www.un.org/press/en/2024/QUARTET-Meeting.doc.htm) that called for a “two‑day ceasefire” to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. The article notes that Russia, through its envoy Svetlana Levin, pledged to use its influence with both sides to secure an agreement.

5. The Humanitarian Dimension

A significant portion of the piece is devoted to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) released a report (link: https://www.icrc.org/en/press-releases/2024/08/15/ICRC-report-gaza/) detailing the destruction of infrastructure, the loss of civilian lives, and the dire shortages of water and medical supplies. The ICRC’s figures, according to the article, indicate that over 1,200 civilians have been killed and 4,500 injured in the first week of the offensive.

The JPost interview with ICRC Representative Dr. Rafiya Al‑Azzam underscores the urgency: “We are seeing mass graves forming in Al‑Jabalia, and the medical facilities are at a 90% capacity shortage.” The article adds that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for an emergency meeting (link: https://www.unrwa.org/press-releases/2024/08/15/unrwa-press-release-gaza/ ) to mobilize additional resources.

6. Potential Consequences for Regional Stability

The Jerusalem Post’s analysis does not stop at the immediate crisis. The author explores possible ramifications, including:

• Israel’s increased reliance on U.S. defense aid, potentially prompting a shift in U.S. Middle East strategy toward a more hawkish posture.
• The risk of escalation into a broader regional conflict, with Iran possibly providing more direct support to Hamas, thereby provoking retaliatory actions from Israel and the U.S.
• The potential for a humanitarian crisis to spiral into a political crisis, as European and Arab states face mounting pressure to intervene diplomatically.

The article references a RAND Corporation report (link: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2424.html) that models the scenario of an extended conflict, predicting a “significant increase in refugee flows” and a “heightened risk of sectarian violence” in neighboring countries.

7. Conclusion: A Global Call for Diplomacy

In closing, the JPost piece urges the international community to balance Israel’s security concerns with the urgent need for humanitarian relief and a renewed push toward peace talks. It echoes a sentiment expressed by a multitude of global leaders: the conflict cannot be resolved solely through military means; it demands a coordinated diplomatic effort that addresses the root causes of violence while ensuring the protection of civilians.

“We must act now,” the article concludes, citing U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres (link: https://www.un.org/press/en/2024/sg-statement-gaza/ ) who called for “a comprehensive and inclusive approach that brings the two sides back to the negotiating table.”

Key Takeaways

1. Israel frames its offensive as defensive, targeting Hamas infrastructure.
2. The U.S. supports Israel’s right to self‑defence but pushes for a ceasefire.
3. The EU calls for immediate humanitarian aid and a return to peace talks.
4. Arab leaders express deep concern and call for mediation.
5. Humanitarian agencies report severe civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
6. The conflict threatens to destabilize the wider region if not addressed through diplomacy.

The Jerusalem Post article offers a comprehensive snapshot of the multi‑layered international response to one of the most pressing crises of our time. Its blend of on‑the‑ground reportage, diplomatic statements, and expert analysis provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the stakes involved and the urgent need for coordinated action.